Tuy: A large Fulani community thrives in Kari, a village in the commune of Hound© in Tuy province. These Fulani, who have been living in the Bonsan neighborhood for several years, exemplify socio-cultural integration in this Bwaba village.
According to Burkina Information Agency, the Fulani community in Kari is primarily composed of the Barry and Diallo families, alongside the Poueho, known as the “Fulaniized” Bwaba. The community’s roots trace back to the 19th century when the first Fulani settlers, led by Djedi Barry from Mali, established themselves in Bonsan. Over time, the community expanded with arrivals from Bam, Sourou, and other regions. The Fulani are now well-integrated into the Bwaba village, participating in mutual activities and ceremonies that foster strong social ties.
In Kari, collective activities such as fieldwork during the rainy season and threshing in the dry season strengthen the bond between the Fulani and Bwaba communities. These activities emphasize values of solidarity and mutual aid. Social events like weddings and baptisms are communal, with unions between the Fulani and Bwaba not uncommon, highlighting the shared experiences of both communities.
Despite cultural differences, tolerance and togetherness are cornerstones of the Fulani and Bwaba coexistence in Kari. Fulani community member Ahmidou Barry notes that while they do not follow the traditional Bwaba religion, they participate in various ceremonies, reflecting the community’s spirit of inclusivity.
Aminata Poueho, a Bwaba woman married to a Fulani, emphasizes her sense of integration within her husband’s community, maintaining strong ties with other village women. Similarly, Fulani farmer Ibrahim Barry, who is fluent in Bwamou, the Bwaba language, illustrates the cultural blending that defines life in Kari.
Though minor unrest occurs, residents report no significant stigmatization or threats. Ahmidou Barry reassures that the community has never felt compelled to leave the village. Issouf Coulibaly, president of the Kari Village Development Council, underscores the historical harmony between the Fulani and Bwaba, advocating for continued peace to preserve village unity.
Messages from community leaders, including Dean Ahmidou Barry and Imam Ahmadou Barry, call for peace and blessings for Burkina Faso, emphasizing the community’s commitment to harmony and coexistence.